Last week, on a grey and cold day, we had the pleasure to cook jointly in the Caritas Community Kitchen.

It was a pleasure, first and foremost for the people we met. Colleagues from all different Group Market areas joined. From Sales, Trading, FI, Quants and Relationship Managers. As usual at such occasions, one realises the many diverse and interesting colleagues, we only might know from Teams calls and emails there are.

But this was not the reason we were here. We joined, as Management and Group Markets as a whole is dedicated to ESG and tries to live it and walk the talk on all levels. And so, also in this case. Showing our Social side in Group Markets and jointly Cooking for those in need at Caritas.

We were very nicely received and instructed by Vera, a full-time employee of the Community Kitchen and Wassam, an Iraqi-born volunteer regularly cooking in the Community Kitchen of Caritas. And, typically Group Markets, immediately went to work. Coffee and chatting came automatically with the preparations. And clearly two Groups emerged. Those, more on the “sweet” side prepared delicious apple pie. And those more on the less-fragile side, were chopping vegetables like there is no tomorrow 😊

And time passed seamlessly while doing so. Vera gave us a very valuable insight in the Community Kitchen’s and Carita’s activities. And made us think. For the things that do matter most, helping those in need and showing how little is needed, to do good and help those in need. We were cooking for around 140 dishes. And it not only tasted delicious, as we could prove (we had lunch all together), but was easy and great fun.

For me personally, it was a “coming home” to a quarter I lived in many, many years ago. And, as hinted, made me think. How privileged we are in our jobs and lives and how little is needed, to help and support those in need. Certainly something all of us will do more in future, given this experience!

Our community cooking and Group Markets making it possible, was a great experience to all of us! And, enriching, besides, which is most important, making a difference! But, in a different way, we normally do in our daily jobs. By helping and supporting those in need. A really nice way and connection to our roots as Erste Group.

A great thank you goes to Caritas, Vera, Wassam, Group Markets and the Time Bank!
 

Author: Mario Puljic